It's hard to focus with his mind and heart in disarray. Huaisang hadn't really expected to see this place again. He'd certainly never expected to cross paths with Jin Guangyao ever again in this lifetime, much less for them to align toward a common goal. There's still things to be said, of course, but there's already so much to process and he was already drained from the ceremony before they'd started this discussion.

Huaisang doesn't pull away from that touch or recoil, however, his fingers brushing back in response. He listens to every word though, smiling sardonically at the comment about not belonging in a cage. Huaisang's been living in a cage for ten years and Jin Guangyao had been the one to put him there, destroying what remaining freedom he'd had when Nie Mingjue's death forced him to inherit. But what's done is done and he's tried his best to make the most of an unhappy life.

"Building a new home that's peaceful sounds nice. One with more color and elegance, perhaps."

Huaisang sips his tea for a moment, eyes straying to his half-eaten food. It's fairly normal for him not to have much appetite.

"For now though, A-Yao, I think we should get some rest. I suppose I should find a vacant room for the night. I'm not sure I'm ready to face Shi-xiong or anyone else tonight."

Huaisang sighs.

"Unless you mind if I just sleep with you?"